Taekwondo Christchurch

While not wanting to discourage any particular age group, it has to be said that Taekwondo is more suited to younger people in Christchurch, being quite physically demanding. Its teachings of self-discipline and respect for others make it especially appropriate for children. Older adults trying Taekwondo for the first time often find it too taxing, unless they have kept themselves active. However those in Christchurch who take up Taekwondo at a young age, will find that carrying it on into older adulthood is not a problem. Tai Chi or something similarly softer might be more suitab le for the less agile of you.

Taekwondo is a martial art that mainly involves kicking moves and manoeuvres, in particular rapid kicking techniques, head-height kicks and spinning/jumping kicks. It started in Seoul, in southern Korea in the 1940's, when a group of martial arts enthusiasts established schools called "kwans", which blended a number of martial arts techniques.

With over sixty million people participating in Taekwondo classes all around the globe, this has unquestionably become an extremely popular and worthwhile pastime, and if you become really expert at this martial art you might possibly one day qualify for the Olympic Games, of which it has been an integral part since the Sydney Games in the year 2000.

In these times of ever-increasing violence, it is no surprise that folks in areas like Christchurch are enrolling in self-defence classes like Taekwondo to help them to feel safer and more secure in their everyday life. The self-defence aspect is one of the key factors of Taekwondo but at the same time it also promotes self-restraint and a deep respect for those around us, which are disciplines that are often absent in 21st century living.

While it is good to practice and master these self-defence skills in the protected environment of your local Christchurch Taekwondo club, hopefully you won't ever have the need to use them in the world outside.

Your First Lesson

If you have never done Taekwondo before you may be a little concerned as to what to expect on your first class. Most Taekwondo schools in Christchurch follow a similar pattern, but there may be variations to the following. A warm up lasting fifteen to twenty minutes, a little technical training covering some hand attacks, stances, blocks and kicks, an introduction to forms or patterns, a few ideas on sparring including good timing, movement and targeting attacks, and lastly a warm down to prevent muscle spasms and cramping.

British Taekwondo is the official governing body of the sport within the British Isles, and membership of this organisation is mandatory if you would like to sign up with any Taekwondo club in Christchurch or nearby. You can find out about clubs and members, health and safety, launching a new Taekwondo club, first aid, events, coaches and referees, news, coaching courses, safeguarding and equality, and more on British Taekwondo's website, and find out the latest Taekwondo news stories on their Facebook or Twitter page.

Some Taekwondo Kicks

Taekwondo is well known for its powerful kicking techniques, here are the basic ones: Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi), Crescent Kick (Bandal Chagi), Back Kick (Dwo Chagi), Axe Kick (Naeryeo Chagi), Side Kick (Yeop Chagi), Hook or Whip Kick (Huryeo Chagi), Front Kick (Ap Chagi), Push Kick (Meereo Chagi). Taekwondo Blocks: To defend against and stop an incoming Taekwondo attack, "blocks" (known as Makgi) are employed. Engaging the hand and parts of the arm, they are held in particular positions. Certain attacks require particular "blocks", but blocks can also be turned into counter-attacking manoeuvres by combining reciprocal kicks or punches. The most important "blocks" include: Knife Hand Block, Double Knife Hand Block, Nine Block, Single Forearm Block, Low Block, Palm Block, Rising Block, Upper Block and Double Forearm Block.

Taekwondo Safety Equipment

Safety equipment such as hand guards, shin pads, forearm protectors, a groin protector, red/blue body armour, a red/blue head protector and a gum shield have to be used in all tournaments controlled by British Taekwondo. Protection from injuries is paramount because of the potent kicking that is part and parcel of this sport.